5 Reasons Why You Should Use Luggage Tags Whenever You Travel
Airline companies issue luggage tags when you check in your baggage. These are typically long strips of paper with adhesive ends that are looped around the handles of your suitcase. Airlines use these tags to identify which flight the bags need to be on through the unique barcodes printed on them. And with another small part of the tag that’s usually stuck on the back of your boarding pass, these tags tie your possessions to you.
While these paper tags help airlines sort out numerous baggage, they are not very helpful when you need to look for your bags on the luggage carousel—especially when there are suitcases of the same model and design as yours. Thus, it’s important to attach a luggage tag to your travel bag to help you easily identify your belongings. To learn more about the different reasons why you should use luggage tags when you travel, read on.
They Help Identify Your Bags
One of the main purposes of luggage tags is to serve as identification for your bags. Airports are filled with passengers hauling their luggage. In some cases, you can find a suitcase that resembles yours on the baggage carousel. To ensure you pick up the right bag, attach a distinct luggage tag to it.
Alternatively, you can mistakenly grab another passenger’s suitcase when you are in a rush to get to your destination. If you want to easily spot your bags, you can have personalized luggage tags made in vibrant colors or with your initials on them.
They Prevent Luggage Loss
Due to the daily volume of passengers and flights they accommodate, airport staff can misplace your luggage. And if you are a frequent traveler, you know the value of bags with tags when something similar happens to you. Having luggage tags on your bags can help you find your belongings quicker.
Since many luggage tags feature a card insert where you can write your contact information, staff can find your baggage and get in touch with you easily. Make sure to place only the necessary details on the tags such as your name, email address, and mobile number. Avoid putting your home address or social security number to protect your identity. In some instances, travelers will put the city or place of their destination as well as the best way to reach them there. This way, airline employees can send their bags directly to where the individuals are staying.
They Avoid Luggage Theft
Any luggage without any form of identification is easier to get stolen because thieves can avoid any suspicions. And if they get caught, suitcase thieves can simply claim they picked the wrong bag. When you attach a luggage tag, you can reduce the risk of baggage theft. Also, putting a unique identification tag on your bags allows you to spot your bag even if it is among identical-looking baggage.
When purchasing a luggage tag, make sure to pick one constructed from durable materials so that baggage thieves can’t remove them easily. You can select those that are made from plastic, silicone, or metal. Plastic or silicone ones come in a variety of colors and shapes. They also remain intact even if they get wet, unlike the paper tags airline companies give for free. On the other hand, metal luggage tags are known to be a sturdy option. They also often come with steel straps to ensure they stay attached to your bags.
They Can Help Track Your Suitcase
A properly labeled piece of luggage makes tracking it more convenient. If your bags get accidentally misdirected to another flight, they can be returned to you more promptly when they have tags with your contact information. Also, luggage tags can become identifying marks in case your bags get lost or mistakenly picked up by other passengers.
While most passengers only put luggage tags on their checked-in baggage, there are also some benefits to putting tags on your carry-on bags. In case the flight is overbooked, airline staff may ask you to check-in your carry-on bags. If you have a tag on them, you won’t have to worry about misplacing them. Additionally, you can accidentally leave your belongings in the plane’s overhead compartment. With a tag, airline staff can notify you right away when they do a plane inspection once passengers have disembarked.
They Make Great Travel Accessories
Apart from having functional purposes, luggage tags can improve the aesthetic value of your suitcases as well. Since luggage tags come in different shapes and designs, many travelers use tags as accessories to express their personal style.
A lot of individuals prefer luggage tags because they feature a buckle and solid strap that can’t be removed or broken easily. They are also very distinguishable as well as provide a classy and premium look to your luggage or travel bags. In addition, leather tags can be customized and have monogrammed letterings—making them fantastic gifts to those who often like to satisfy their wanderlust.
Luggage tags are very useful accessories as well as attractive additions to your baggage. Whether you are traveling by air, land, or sea, it’s best to attach a custom luggage tag to your bags. This way, you can quickly spot your suitcase and avoid possible loss or theft.
Yes, it is so important to have your luggage marked. It is also a good idea to take a photo of your luggage in case it gets lost. I have had mine lost a couple of times.